A profession is defined as an occupational group with a set of attitudes or behaviors that has now expanded to include other domains of work and career, including nursing (Black, 2020, p. 57). Characteristics that make up any profession can include professionalism, intellect, belief in the value of public service, self-regulation, committment, and autonomy (Black, 2020, p. 57-58). Preparation and committment make professionalism differ from occupation in that preparation takes place in a college or university, that requires instruction in the specialized body or knowledge and techniques of of the profession (Black, 2020, p. 59). Professional committment entails that professionals are committed, considering their work to be an integral part of their lives or known as “calling” (Black, 2020, p. 59). Fitzpatrick (2020), addresses that there is acknowledgment of the need for specialization within the health care professions, and for research detailing the benefits to providers and patients (p. 131). There continues to be a need to focus our professional energies on the benefits of specialty certification, particularly in relation to patient outcomes and consumer confidence in the American health care professions, including nursing (Fitzpatrick, 2017, p. 131). Having nurses complete the appropriate certifications for their speciality gives nurses a sense of power or confidence. As the American health care system transitions to a value- based system, research addressing the economic benefits of certification, in terms of patient outcomes, is important to make the case in support of specialty certification of all health care professionals (Fitzpatrick, 2017, p. 133). As patient’s are the number one focus in healthcare, having the proper certification not only makes one considered a professional, but also makes them eqiupped to handle individualized illnesses and best treatment options. Nursing is considered a “profession” because nurses are fluent in their techniques, intellectually competent in their studies, prepared at work, committment to what the job entails, and also by incorporating the interprofessional collaborative approach. This approach encompasses ethics, roles, interprofessional communication, and teamwork (Black, 2020, p. 60). A collaborative approach is such a huge component in the plan and implementation of one’s recovery and treatment. From physicians, to aides, to family members, being able to collaborate and provide patient specific care is essential in ones improvement. Working as a team and making the collaboration patient center will assure the team works together and all new treatment plans and modalities are considered. To be a professional nurse, one must be adequately trained and confident in their skills. Not only does being a professional nurse carry the physical aspect, it also encompasses the mental and spiritual needs as well. The nursing profession requires one to be culturally competant and acknowledge ones own biases. Putting those biases aside and being professional, while taking into consideration the patient’s beliefs and practices, to me is a true definition of being a professional nurse.
